What to do to Stay Focused?

With September upon us, it's a return to a pace of life more focused on work and studies. With the return to class and work, some will experience difficulty concentrating.

It's not always easy to stay focused on your tasks. Fatigue and lack of concentration can lead to discouragement. However, there are many natural and safe solutions to stay focused.

To stay focused: support blood sugar levels

To support concentration as much as possible, it is important to eat a balanced diet that includes sources of fat and protein at every meal and snack. According to the same guidelines given to people suffering from hypoglycemia, simple carbohydrates such as bleached flours, sugar and juice should be avoided and replaced with more complex carbohydrates including fruits and vegetables rich in fiber as well as whole grains such as brown rice, oats, quinoa and barley. ^A

To start the day optimally, a smoothie is an excellent complement to toast, an egg or a muffin. To ensure the nutritional density of the smoothie, it should contain sources of good fats (MCT oil, nut butter, avocado) as well as a source of protein and fiber (fruits, vegetables, chia seeds, linen, hemp hearts). For more information on theMCT oil, click here.

This Botanica vegetable protein which offers brain support is a great option to include in the smoothie. The rhodiola included in this protein powder reduces stress, improves mood and promotes concentration and mental acuity.

For an easy protein smoothie recipe that the whole family will enjoy, try the following recipe:

• 1 serving of Botanica vegetable protein boost your brain
• 500 ml of water or unsweetened vegetable milk
• 2 tablespoons of fat of your choice (almond butter, MCT oil)
• 250 ml frozen strawberries
• 2 tablespoons of chia seeds

To stay focused: Replace coffee

Coffee is the most widely used psychostimulant in the world. Although it is associated with increased productivity and concentration, coffee can cause significant side effects in many people, including tremors, anxiety disorders as well as a feeling of overwork and exhaustion.  

However, it is possible to replace coffee with a beverage that supports brain functions just as much without causing side effects. The Coffee Concentrator (Focus Fuel Coffee) made from medicinal mushrooms helps increase concentration. Including omegas from natural sources, the coffee concentrator also contains MCT oil and bacopa, a plant used in Ayurveda for millennia to support brain and intellectual functions. Additionally, bacopa acts as an adaptogen by modulating the anxiety response.  ^B

To stay focused: take LTO3

The LTO3 is a natural alternative to Ritalin. When taken correctly and in an appropriate dosage, the LTO3 quickly improves attention deficit disorders with or without hyperactivity. The LTO3 is also indicated in cases of stress, anxiety, sleep disorders and exhaustion. Thanks to L-theanine, the formula acts on concentration by promoting a state of receptive calm. Sementis acts on physical and mental fatigue and skullcap combats excessive thoughts. ^C

This formula can be taken without problem over a long period of time without causing addiction or dependence.

For body weight less than 100 pounds, the dosage is 2 capsules in the morning on an empty stomach 10 minutes before breakfast. For body weight over 100 pounds, the dosage is 3 capsules in the morning on an empty stomach 10 minutes before breakfast. In more severe cases, two capsules can be added before the evening meal.

To stay focused: consume omegas

In order to fully support concentration, it is important to opt for an omega-3 with a high DHA content. This molecule is known to improve learning abilities, while a deficiency is associated with language disorders as well as learning and retention difficulties. ^D

The high DHA omega-3s are available in liquid or capsule, in dosages suitable for adults and children. Although DHA extract from fish oil is the market standard, algae-based options are now available, which is suitable for vegan diet enthusiasts.

To stay focused: diffuse essential oils

When inhaled, the active molecules of essential oils travel along the olfactory nerves to the brain. This is where molecules act and can modulate mood, perception and concentration.

Peppermint essential oil (EO) is often used to restore energy and concentration. Breathing a bottle of peppermint oil for a few seconds provides a stimulating effect. Lemon EO also acts quickly on mood and concentration. The combination of rosemary and spearmint essential oil improves concentration and memory, in addition to protecting the brain against oxidation. ^D,E,F

For a pleasant fragrance to diffuse that will support mood, concentration and energy, opt for the essential oil complex Focus & Concentration from the Now company.

To Stay Focused: Consider L-Tyrosine

The L-tyrosine is an amino acid that stimulates neurotransmitters of the catecholamine family. Catecholamines help provide a feeling of liveliness and good humor while stimulating the ability to concentrate. People with attention deficit disorder or difficulty concentrating benefit greatly from taking L-tyrosine extra. Energizing, l-tyrosine can also replace caffeine. It should be used with care in coffee consumers, who will probably need to reduce their coffee consumption in order not to see an over-stimulating effect. ^H

A dose of 500 mg to 1500 mg can be taken upon waking before breakfast. A second dose can be taken mid-morning. A final dose can be taken in the afternoon if concentration problems and mental fatigue increase with afternoon fatigue. ^H

Don't give up when faced with concentration problems. There are many natural and safe solutions. Try them today.

About the author

Naturopaths from La Boite à Grains

Team of qualified and certified naturopaths (ND) in Gatineau in Outaouais.

Original article written by Véronique Cousineau, Naturopath

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